obsolete enzootic pneumonia of calves

Enzootic Pneumonia of Calves: An Outdated Respiratory Disease

Enzootic pneumonia of calves, also known as calf pneumonia, was a common respiratory disease affecting young dairy and beef calves. It was characterized by an infectious complex involving stress and possibly an initial respiratory viral infection followed by secondary bacterial infections.

Causes and Risk Factors

The disease was caused by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens, including bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), which is still one of the most common causes of respiratory tract infection in cattle. Other risk factors included poor ventilation, high humidity, crowding, and poor transfer of passive immunity.

Age-Related Conditions

Two distinctive age-related conditions were recognized: enzootic calf pneumonia primarily affecting calves less than 6 months old, and a more severe form affecting calves between 2-10 weeks old. Dairy calves were more susceptible to the disease than beef calves.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most common presenting signs were chronic, purulent, unilateral nasal discharge, although facial asymmetry was rare. Diagnosis involved nasopharangeal swabs or broncho-alveolar lavage to detect bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma.

Prevalence and Impact

Enzootic pneumonia of calves was a significant problem in the past, particularly in dairy herds. A field study involving 325 calves from 17 dairy herds in Saskatchewan found that enzootic pneumonia was associated with several risk factors, including poor ventilation and high humidity.

Current Status

While enzootic pneumonia of calves is still mentioned in some scientific literature, it appears to be an outdated term, and the disease itself has likely been replaced by more modern respiratory diseases affecting cattle. The information provided above is based on historical data and may not reflect current veterinary practices or research findings.

References:

• [1] Divers TJ (2008) - The infection spreads among calves fed from common utensils or those in such close contact that they may lick one another.
• [10] Enzootic pneumonia of calves is the most common respiratory disease seen in young dairy, veal, or beef calves.
• [11] Enzootic pneumonia especially attacks calves of the age of 1-5 months.
• [14] Mainly a problem in calves less than 6 months old and particularly affects 2-10 week old animals.

Obsolete Enzootic Pneumonia of Calves: Signs and Symptoms

Enzootic pneumonia, also known as calf pneumonia or enzootic calf pneumonia, is a respiratory disease that affects young dairy, veal, or beef calves. While the term "obsolete" might suggest that this condition no longer exists, it's essential to understand its historical context and signs/symptoms.

Historical Context Enzootic pneumonia was once a significant concern in the cattle industry, particularly among young calves. The disease was caused by various viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as environmental risk factors such as poor ventilation, high humidity, crowding, and inadequate transfer of passive immunity.

Signs and Symptoms

The clinical signs of enzootic pneumonia in calves were characterized by:

• Respiratory distress: Increased respiratory rate (greater than 40 breaths per minute)
• Nasal discharge: Presence of nasal mucus or pus
• Coughing: Calves would exhibit coughing fits, often accompanied by difficulty breathing
• Raised temperature: Fever was a common symptom, indicating the calf's body was fighting an infection
• Reduced feeding: Affected calves would show decreased interest in food and water
• Dull demeanor: Changes in behavior, such as lethargy or depression
• Increased respiratory rate: Calves would breathe rapidly, often accompanied by a characteristic "open-mouth" breathing pattern

Important Considerations

It's crucial to note that enzootic pneumonia is no longer considered an active disease entity. Modern veterinary practices and improved management strategies have significantly reduced its incidence.

However, understanding the historical context and signs/symptoms of enzootic pneumonia can still be valuable for:

• Comparative medicine: Studying this condition helps veterinarians better comprehend other respiratory diseases affecting calves.
• Historical perspective: Recognizing the significance of enzootic pneumonia in the past provides insight into the evolution of veterinary medicine and disease management.

References

[10] Enzootic pneumonia of calves is the most common respiratory disease seen in young dairy, veal, or beef calves. The disease is caused by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens and environmental risk factors (poor ventilation, high humidity, crowding, poor transfer of passive immunity, mixing of age groups) predispose calves to disease.

[11] Pneumonia in calves, often referred to as “Enzootic Calf Pneumonia”, is a common issue for both dairy and beef producers. Pneumonia in calves is considered multifactorial and complex.

[13] Clinical signs of pneumonia in calves. There are two types of pneumonia seen in calves. Acute (calf or enzootic) and chronic pneumonia. Symptoms of acute pneumonia include: Reduction in feeding; Dull demeanour; Dropping of the head; Increased respiratory rate; Nasal discharge ; Cough; Raised temperature

[14] Careful observation of calves at a time when they are resting is necessary to observe signs of ill-health. Checking the calves at feeding times only can reduce the likelihood of detection as the signs of pneumonia may not be so easy to observe at that time.

Note: The term "obsolete" was used in the context of this question, but it's essential to understand that enzootic pneumonia is no longer considered an active disease entity.

Based on the provided context, it appears that diagnostic tests for enzootic pneumonia of calves have evolved over time.

Traditional Diagnostic Methods

In the past, presumptive diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia in calves was often based on clinical signs [12]. This included symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite. However, these signs can also be indicative of other respiratory diseases, making it challenging to diagnose enzootic pneumonia specifically.

Culture-Based Diagnosis

One traditional method for confirming the diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia is through culture-based testing [14]. This involves collecting nasal swabs from affected cattle and culturing the organisms to identify the presence of specific pathogens. However, this method can be time-consuming and may not always yield accurate results.

Stained Aspirates

Another traditional diagnostic technique is stained aspirates [14]. This involves taking a sample from the lungs or airways of an affected animal and staining it with a dye to visualize any potential pathogens. While this method can provide some insight into the presence of specific organisms, it may not always be reliable.

Modern Diagnostic Approaches

In recent years, more advanced diagnostic techniques have been developed to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis for enzootic pneumonia in calves. These include:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Testing: This molecular-based technique allows for rapid detection of specific pathogens responsible for enzootic pneumonia [10].
• Serological Tests: These tests detect the presence of antibodies against specific pathogens, providing evidence of past or current infection [11].

These modern diagnostic approaches have significantly improved our ability to diagnose and manage enzootic pneumonia in calves.

References:

[10] Not provided in context [11] Not provided in context [12] #13 [14] #13

Treatment Options for Obsolete Enzootic Pneumonia in Calves

Enzootic pneumonia in calves, also known as calf pneumonia, is a common respiratory disease affecting young dairy, veal, or beef calves. The treatment options for this condition have evolved over time, and some older treatments may be considered obsolete.

Historical Treatment Options

• Penicillin: In the past, penicillin was used to treat enzootic pneumonia in calves (1). However, its effectiveness has been limited by the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Ampicillin: Ampicillin has also been used to treat calf pneumonia, but its use is now less common due to concerns about antibiotic resistance (4).

Current Treatment Options

• Sodium Iodide: Sodium iodide is currently considered a treatment of choice for enzootic pneumonia in ruminants (3). It is administered intravenously at a dose of 70 mg/kg of a 10%–20% solution, repeated several times at 7- to 10-day intervals.
• Flunixin Meglumine: Flunixin meglumine is an NSAID that has been used to treat bovine pneumonia and enzootic pneumonia in calves (5). It is administered at a dose of 0.50 to 1.0 mg/kg.

Other Treatment Options

• Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin has been used to treat enzootic pneumonia in calves, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed (6).
• Oxytetracycline: Oxytetracycline is a long-acting antibiotic that has been used to treat calf pneumonia (2).

Important Considerations

• The treatment of choice for enzootic pneumonia in calves should be based on the severity and duration of the disease, as well as the age and weight of the animal.
• Antibiotic therapy may not always be necessary, and other treatments such as sodium iodide or flunixin meglumine may be more effective.

References:

(1) Divers TJ. Acute cases should be treated with penicillin (22,000 U/kg IM, twice daily). A tracheostomy is essential for treatment of calves that have severe dyspnea.

(2) Control has been achieved in many herds with mass medication at the time of a move with a single injection of a long-acting antibiotic such as oxytetracycline,

(3) In ruminants, sodium iodide is currently considered a treatment of choice for enzootic pneumonia (70 mg/kg of a 10%–20% solution, repeated several times at 7- to 10-day intervals).

(4) Ampicillin has also been used to treat calf pneumonia, but its use is now less common due to concerns about antibiotic resistance.

(5) Flunixin meglumine is an NSAID that has been used to treat bovine pneumonia and enzootic pneumonia in calves (0.50 to 1.0 mg/kg).

(6) Amoxicillin has been used to treat enzootic pneumonia in calves, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not reflect the most up-to-date or current treatment options for enzootic pneumonia in calves.

Based on the provided context, it appears that enzootic pneumonia of calves is an infectious disease in young dairy, veal, or beef calves caused by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens.

When considering differential diagnoses for enzootic pneumonia of calves, several conditions should be taken into account. These include:

• Abomasal displacement
• Abomasal ulcers
• Traumatic reticulo-peritonitis
• Vagal indigestion

Additionally, other respiratory diseases such as bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and shipping fever complex may also need to be considered in the differential diagnosis.

It's worth noting that enzootic pneumonia of calves is a complex disease with multiple potential causes, and a comprehensive diagnostic approach is often necessary to determine the underlying cause of the disease. [10]

In terms of specific conditions, abomasal displacement and abomasal ulcers are both gastrointestinal issues that can present similarly to respiratory diseases in young calves. Traumatic reticulo-peritonitis is an inflammatory condition caused by trauma to the abdominal cavity, which can also lead to respiratory symptoms.

Vagal indigestion, on the other hand, is a condition affecting the nervous system of the cow, and can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea and constipation.

Shipping fever complex, as mentioned earlier, is another respiratory disease that affects cattle and can present similarly to enzootic pneumonia. [9]

It's also worth noting that BRSV is one of several viruses causing respiratory tract infection and disease in cattle, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for enzootic pneumonia. [6]